Ponyberem is a small former mining community. The decline in the coal industry in the late 1980's has had a significant impact on subsequent generations; the community is an area of deprivation with few amenities for its' children and young people. During the valleys' industrial era the park was a central to the village and surrounding areas and to the community as a whole. The County Council decided that it had to close the park as it could no longer afford the associated maintenance and running costs.
The local community decided to take on the responsibility for the park, and in 2016 the park was transferred to the community ensuring that the park gates remain open.
The community park has suffered from lack of investment over the years, and is in a run down condition, requiring substantial work and investment. There is also in desperate need of new equipment for the children's play area where play equipment and facilities are sparse, and there are none specifically for toddlers, younger children and children with disabilities. The equipment that is there, is in a generally poor condition and is in urgent need of upgrading and/or replacement.
The aim is to provide an attractive, safe and modern play area as an alternative to video games and a sedentary lifestyle.
The priority is to ensure that children of the village have a playground which they can enjoy, spend time playing safely outdoors whilst developing in confidence and improving in health and wellbeing. Also ensuring that the children in the village and surrounding areas who have disabilities can join in with their friends in the park and be included in play. The village is 9 miles from nearest towns and other facilities, therefore, the importance of local amenities for local children is vital for the health and wellbeing of current and future generations.